Research Question: How does obesity impact student achievement? Contributed by: Caroline Neubauer
Does Eating a Good School Lunch Make You Smarter: Opposing Viewpoints
summary
This article displays findings presented by a team of researchers led by the creator of the popular South Beach diet, Arthur Agatston, at an Obesity Society meeting. Studies showed that improving the nutritional quality of school meals increased the academic performance of students over a two-year period. By just improving the nutritional quality of school meals, significant increases in math scores were shown among the 1,197 elementary students who participated in the Healthier Options for Public Schoolchildren obesity prevention program. This program is being introduced in 79 schools in seven states and targets low-income students. By introducing this program they learn that students are going to pay more attention and learn more if they are eating well-balanced meals. There were questions as to how were they able to change the students diets and how were school cafeterias convinced to change. With they help and encouragement of the United States Department of Agriculture they managed to erase all obstacles and find a solution. reaction
I was surprisingly amazed with the amount of students participation in this program and the fact that significant increases in math scores were achieved by just improving the nutritional quality of school meals. It just shows that a simple change in diet can allow a child to become a better student. I secretly wish that this program would target more individuals and not just low-income students because all children deserve the right to participate and improve school test scores in all subjects. I believe this is an awesome program and should also be brought to more states. I would be curious to see what seven states this program is currently being used in. This program is a positive step in the right direction to reducing obesity and achieving great nutritional diets for students.
Hispanic Girls in Sports Held Back by Tradition: USA Today
summary
This article acknowledges the idea that instead of being obese and overweight, participation in sports can provide academic and long-term benefits. Many Hispanics are denied from playing sports because they are caught up doing many family duties and have a difficult time convincing parents that sports can allow students to get better grades and stay in shape. Another issue denying Hispanics the right to play sports is because of lack of money or transportation. Hispanic girls are known to have a lower sports participation rate than non-Hispanics and which leads to problems such as obesity and dropping out of school. It is a proven fact that if you do not get involved in school somehow then you are you are not going to feel part of it leading to no enjoyment of school and ultimately dropping out. In the 1989 Women's Sports Foundation report titled, "Minorities in Sports" states that Hispanic female athletes are at least twice as likely as non-athletes to stay in college. reaction
I was shocked by this article published by USA Today because I did not realize that participation in sports and staying in shape was important among many Hispanics. I never took the time to notice the difference between Hispanics and non-Hispanics according to who are the more active participants in sports and how those who do not participate in a sport are not as likely to do better in academics then those who participate. I am torn between the idea that Hispanics are denied from playing sports because they are caught up with other aspects of family life. I understand why the parents feel the way they do about participation in sports because if I was a parent in their shoes I would probably feel the same way however, I also feel bad for the children who want to participate and enjoy playing with their peers outside of school. I feel that children are supposed to be children and have fun, not necessarily be children and work constantly. Kids are supposed to be kids and parents are supposed to parents.
Sylwester, M. (2005 3). EBSCOhost: Hispanic girls in sports held back by tradition. USA Today. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http:0/_ web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=114&sid=8c95c74b-2938-450b-942d-58c87f5375c6%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=J0E183436296805.
The Impact of Physical Activity and Obesity on Academic Achievement Among Elementary Students:NCPEA
summary
This article written by Jimmy Byrd showed a study that compared the effect of physical activity and obesity on academic achievement believing that a child’s health has a direct effect on the child’s ability to learn. The data taken from the National Center for Educational Statistics’ Early Childhood Longitudinal Study showed that both achievement and health are important is a student’s life and are connected to academic achievement in many ways. When dealing with health issues many students miss school and that leads to learning difficulties. Health problems such as obesity cause problems and interfere with the learning process. Throughout the study a common theme was found that if children are healthy, they are in a much better position to learn. A reading exam was given among 12,607 third grade children both physically fit and obese and results showed that those physically fit students preformed better academically then obese students. The opportunity for physical activity improved a student’s chance of doing well on the reading exam. response
This study was very interesting in allowing us to see how health and achievement are important in a students life. I had not believed until reading this that physically fit students were able to preform better academically then those who are obese. It was important to know that missing a certain amount of school does lead to learning difficulties and by going to school you are more likely to understand fully what is being taught. Before investigating this study it seemed to me that students teaching the material to themselves was as effective as showing up to class and having the teacher discuss the material, but certainly it is very different. It amazes me that physical activity can greatly improve a student's chance of doing well on a test.
Byrd, J. (2007, March 30). The Impact of Physical Activity and Obesity on Academic Achievement Among Elementary Students. Retrieved from the Connexions Web site: http://cnx.org/content/m14420/1.1/
Children's Health & Academic Performance: Elevating Physical Education's Role in Schools:ERIC Digest
summary
This article published by the International Journal of Physical Education was based on how the obesity epidemic and the pressure on schools to pass academic achievement tests are each opposing influences on physical education. Each issue is discussed based on its relation to physical education. It is thought that childhood health and the treat of obesity would lead to an increase of physical education but instead the time running around and burning off calories is being cut short with the pressure on schools to perform well on the academic achievement tests. It is unknown whether is appropriate to decrease physical education and spend more time academically in order to improve students performance reaction
I was disappointed in this article for the amount of information that it contained concerning my topic. The information that I got however, was very interesting and in a sense shocking. I know it is very important for students to perform well academically but don't children need a break once in a while and be able to participate in physical education. How students do academically is very important and so is a kid being able to participate in physical education and then returning back to their classroom. They need that short break to burn off some energy that has been constantly getting bigger. I am shock that people are more concerned with students getting amazing grades instead of carrying for the child and what they may want sometimes. Nobody is listening to the students ideas they are just thinking about what needs to be done in order for them to look good in a sense. Students need a break from sitting at the desk listening and learning as the teacher talks. I think that if students did get the short break for physical education they would return to the classroom in a much calmer manner than they left and they would actually be able to learn better since they do not have all that energy building up inside of them.
Association of Overweight With Academic Performance and Social and Behavioral Problems: An Update From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study: ERIC Digest
summary
This article published by The Journal of School Health knowledge is important in becoming physically fit and healthy. It is long known that health and academic achievement are intertwined and that with poor health comes poor grades along with the need to do better in school. The belief that physical fitness is associated with higher math and reading scores is well-known and there are efforts constantly to let individuals see this. One of the latest has been program called "Coordinated School Health Program" started by the US Department of Education and they strive to address health in schools and the link between health and academic success. The fact that poor academic achievement from being obese has not yet been proven true and is still just a thought. It is believed that doing poor academically may lead to an increase in the risk of obesity. reaction
This article was long in length but proved to include much information that I already knew. I was blown away however, by the fact that it has not been proved that doing poor academically may lead to an increase in the risk of obesity. In other articles, it just mentioned the statement but never discussed whether it had been proven as true. I also got the chance to see that there are many programs striving to address the link between health and academic success. As I said, I was disappointed with the amount of information they had regarding my subtopic when you look at the title of the article. Seeing from the title, you would expect there to be more concerning the relation between obesity and the effects on academic performance.
Research Question: How does obesity impact student achievement?
Contributed by: Caroline Neubauer
Does Eating a Good School Lunch Make You Smarter: Opposing Viewpoints
summary
This article displays findings presented by a team of researchers led by the creator of the popular South Beach diet, Arthur Agatston, at an Obesity Society meeting. Studies showed that improving the nutritional quality of school meals increased the academic performance of students over a two-year period. By just improving the nutritional quality of school meals, significant increases in math scores were shown among the 1,197 elementary students who participated in the Healthier Options for Public Schoolchildren obesity prevention program. This program is being introduced in 79 schools in seven states and targets low-income students. By introducing this program they learn that students are going to pay more attention and learn more if they are eating well-balanced meals. There were questions as to how were they able to change the students diets and how were school cafeterias convinced to change. With they help and encouragement of the United States Department of Agriculture they managed to erase all obstacles and find a solution.
reaction
I was surprisingly amazed with the amount of students participation in this program and the fact that significant increases in math scores were achieved by just improving the nutritional quality of school meals. It just shows that a simple change in diet can allow a child to become a better student. I secretly wish that this program would target more individuals and not just low-income students because all children deserve the right to participate and improve school test scores in all subjects. I believe this is an awesome program and should also be brought to more states. I would be curious to see what seven states this program is currently being used in. This program is a positive step in the right direction to reducing obesity and achieving great nutritional diets for students.
U.S. News & World Report (Oct 7, 2008): NA. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Providence Public Library. 22 Nov. 2008 <http://find.galegroup..com/ovrc/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=OVRC&docId=A186489478&source=gale&userGroupName=rip11&version=1.0>.
Hispanic Girls in Sports Held Back by Tradition: USA Today
summary
This article acknowledges the idea that instead of being obese and overweight, participation in sports can provide academic and long-term benefits. Many Hispanics are denied from playing sports because they are caught up doing many family duties and have a difficult time convincing parents that sports can allow students to get better grades and stay in shape. Another issue denying Hispanics the right to play sports is because of lack of money or transportation. Hispanic girls are known to have a lower sports participation rate than non-Hispanics and which leads to problems such as obesity and dropping out of school. It is a proven fact that if you do not get involved in school somehow then you are you are not going to feel part of it leading to no enjoyment of school and ultimately dropping out. In the 1989 Women's Sports Foundation report titled, "Minorities in Sports" states that Hispanic female athletes are at least twice as likely as non-athletes to stay in college.
reaction
I was shocked by this article published by USA Today because I did not realize that participation in sports and staying in shape was important among many Hispanics. I never took the time to notice the difference between Hispanics and non-Hispanics according to who are the more active participants in sports and how those who do not participate in a sport are not as likely to do better in academics then those who participate. I am torn between the idea that Hispanics are denied from playing sports because they are caught up with other aspects of family life. I understand why the parents feel the way they do about participation in sports because if I was a parent in their shoes I would probably feel the same way however, I also feel bad for the children who want to participate and enjoy playing with their peers outside of school. I feel that children are supposed to be children and have fun, not necessarily be children and work constantly. Kids are supposed to be kids and parents are supposed to parents.
Sylwester, M. (2005 3). EBSCOhost: Hispanic girls in sports held back by tradition. USA Today. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http:0/_ web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=114&sid=8c95c74b-2938-450b-942d-58c87f5375c6%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=J0E183436296805.
The Impact of Physical Activity and Obesity on Academic Achievement Among Elementary Students:NCPEA
summary
This article written by Jimmy Byrd showed a study that compared the effect of physical activity and obesity on academic achievement believing that a child’s health has a direct effect on the child’s ability to learn. The data taken from the National Center for Educational Statistics’ Early Childhood Longitudinal Study showed that both achievement and health are important is a student’s life and are connected to academic achievement in many ways. When dealing with health issues many students miss school and that leads to learning difficulties. Health problems such as obesity cause problems and interfere with the learning process. Throughout the study a common theme was found that if children are healthy, they are in a much better position to learn. A reading exam was given among 12,607 third grade children both physically fit and obese and results showed that those physically fit students preformed better academically then obese students. The opportunity for physical activity improved a student’s chance of doing well on the reading exam.
response
This study was very interesting in allowing us to see how health and achievement are important in a students life. I had not believed until reading this that physically fit students were able to preform better academically then those who are obese. It was important to know that missing a certain amount of school does lead to learning difficulties and by going to school you are more likely to understand fully what is being taught. Before investigating this study it seemed to me that students teaching the material to themselves was as effective as showing up to class and having the teacher discuss the material, but certainly it is very different. It amazes me that physical activity can greatly improve a student's chance of doing well on a test.
Byrd, J. (2007, March 30). The Impact of Physical Activity and Obesity on Academic Achievement Among Elementary Students. Retrieved from the Connexions Web site: http://cnx.org/content/m14420/1.1/
Children's Health & Academic Performance: Elevating Physical Education's Role in Schools:ERIC Digest
summary
This article published by the International Journal of Physical Education was based on how the obesity epidemic and the pressure on schools to pass academic achievement tests are each opposing influences on physical education. Each issue is discussed based on its relation to physical education. It is thought that childhood health and the treat of obesity would lead to an increase of physical education but instead the time running around and burning off calories is being cut short with the pressure on schools to perform well on the academic achievement tests. It is unknown whether is appropriate to decrease physical education and spend more time academically in order to improve students performance
reaction
I was disappointed in this article for the amount of information that it contained concerning my topic. The information that I got however, was very interesting and in a sense shocking. I know it is very important for students to perform well academically but don't children need a break once in a while and be able to participate in physical education. How students do academically is very important and so is a kid being able to participate in physical education and then returning back to their classroom. They need that short break to burn off some energy that has been constantly getting bigger. I am shock that people are more concerned with students getting amazing grades instead of carrying for the child and what they may want sometimes. Nobody is listening to the students ideas they are just thinking about what needs to be done in order for them to look good in a sense. Students need a break from sitting at the desk listening and learning as the teacher talks. I think that if students did get the short break for physical education they would return to the classroom in a much calmer manner than they left and they would actually be able to learn better since they do not have all that energy building up inside of them.
http://0-vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.helin.uri.edu/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790eaa66f6bb533a3449e9c3fca4d26efbd427998404d459dea1c15f6aa3e97b253d&fmt=H Sibley, B., et. al., Children's Health & Academic Performance: Elevating Physical Education's Role in Schools. International Journal of Physical Education v. 45 no. 2 (2008) p. 64-82
Association of Overweight With Academic Performance and Social and Behavioral Problems: An Update From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study: ERIC Digest
summary
This article published by The Journal of School Health knowledge is important in becoming physically fit and healthy. It is long known that health and academic achievement are intertwined and that with poor health comes poor grades along with the need to do better in school. The belief that physical fitness is associated with higher math and reading scores is well-known and there are efforts constantly to let individuals see this. One of the latest has been program called "Coordinated School Health Program" started by the US Department of Education and they strive to address health in schools and the link between health and academic success. The fact that poor academic achievement from being obese has not yet been proven true and is still just a thought. It is believed that doing poor academically may lead to an increase in the risk of obesity.
reaction
This article was long in length but proved to include much information that I already knew. I was blown away however, by the fact that it has not been proved that doing poor academically may lead to an increase in the risk of obesity. In other articles, it just mentioned the statement but never discussed whether it had been proven as true. I also got the chance to see that there are many programs striving to address the link between health and academic success. As I said, I was disappointed with the amount of information they had regarding my subtopic when you look at the title of the article. Seeing from the title, you would expect there to be more concerning the relation between obesity and the effects on academic performance.
http://0-vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.helin.uri.edu/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790eaa66f6bb533a3449960bb3727301088e3c997290df2919f392e48f13a5c3a4f9&fmt=H Judge, S., et. al., Association of Overweight With Academic Performance and Social and Behavioral Problems: An Update From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. The Journal of School Health v. 77 no. 10 (December 2007) p. 672-8
EDC 102 F08 Fnl Proj Eval - Caroline N